June 20, 2019

“Culture Eats Strategy”

David Barr interviews Michael Lombardi, former NFL executive and author of Gridiron Genius. Touching on culture and leadership in football strategy, Michael shares how the importance of building teams in the NFL relates to the business world today.

Subtitle: “The name on the front is more important than the name on the back” – Herb Brooks

David Barr interviews Michael Lombardi, former NFL executive and author of Gridiron Genius.  Michael shares his experiences as a member of the coaching staff for several NFL teams working alongside head coaches Bill Walsh, Al Davis and Bill Belichick and how these remarkable experiences led to the publication of his book, “Gridiron Genius”. Touching on culture and leadership in football strategy, Michael shares how the importance of building teams in the NFL relates to the business world today.

Key Takeaways

02:36 Michael shares that working for Bill Walsh at a young age provided him with the willingness to embrace knowledge and adopt a growth mindset.
10:38 Michael explains how culture contributes to the success of a team while reflecting on the teams he worked with that did not have a defined culture.
13:20 David asks how Michael balanced the needs of an owner, general manager and head coach and kept them from disrupting a team’s culture.
18:08 Michael explains the secret to victory, and that it lies in the “non-obvious”.
25:36 David asks about the ability to achieve a competitive advantage in the NFL.
32:51 Michael discusses the reception of Gridiron Genius in the business community.
34:12 David and Michael talk about the importance of reading and “investing in your own skillset”.
36:28 Michael shares the books that have had an influence on him.

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